The theme for this year’s National Park Week invites
visitors to Go Wild! for history, nature, culture, wildlife, and fun in
America’s national parks. At Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the timing is
perfect for visitors to “Go Wild for Culture” while celebrating Hilo’s 51st
annual Merrie Monarch Festival, the
most revered hula competition in the world.

Admission to all fee-charging national parks is free from
Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 20 to kick off National Park Week.
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will offer 12 Hawaiian cultural events planned
April 23-25; these events are free but admission fees apply. All programs are
part the park’s ongoing ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work”
cultural workshops, and are co-sponsored by the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association:

Wednesday, April 23

Kalo Demonstration. Join Edna and Sam Baldado as they
share the cultural uses of kalo, or taro plant. See how each plant is
identified by its leaf, steam, corm, color, and shape. Discover the hundreds of
varieties of kalo in Hawaii, and how kalo was used for food, medicine, glue,
dyes, and much more.

When: Wed., April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Feather Kāhili Workshop. Helene Hayselden will
demonstrate the art of making a feather kāhili, a symbol of royalty. Watch or
join in and make your kāhili to take home.

Lā‘au Lapa‘au. Ka‘ohu Monfort shares her knowledge
and love of the island’s native plants. Learn how her passion for plants and
the Hawaiian culture are used to heal and nourish. See and touch a variety of
medicinal plants, including kuku‘i, ‘ōlena, ha‘uowī, noni, kī, and guava.

When: Wed., April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Thursday, April 24

Feather Work. Watch Vi Makuakāne demonstrate the
intricate art of feather work. Thousands of feathers are sorted, graded,
trimmed, and sewn to a base. The result is a beautiful lei hulu, or feather
lei.

When: Thurs., April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Kenneth Makuakāne. This multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano
award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer will play original songs from
his solo albums and compositions.

When: Thurs., April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

‘Ohe Kapala. ‘Ohe kapala, or bamboo stamps, are used
to create distinct designs for traditional Hawaiian kapa. Join Keiko Mercado as
she demonstrates how ‘ohe (bamboo) are carved into beautiful designs and how
they are used. There will be samples and a hands-on opportunity to learn this
Hawaiian art form.

When: Thurs., April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Lei Making. Patricia Ka‘ula will demonstrate
different styles of lei making: hilo, haku, hili and Ku‘i. Lei is used for
everything from blessing crops, adornments for hula dancers, healing and sacred
rituals, to show royal status or rank, honor guests, as peace offerings, to
celebrating a birth.

When: Thurs., April 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Robert Cazimero Book Signing. Robert Cazimero, a
highly regarded and respected kumu hula, will sign the latest edition of Men of
Hula, which will be available for sale. This 2011 edition by award-winning
author Benton Sen chronicles how the hula teacher and Nā Hālau Kamalei
shattered the stereotypical image of hula (girls in grass skirts and coconut
bras) by revitalizing the masculine aspects of the ancient dance.

When: Thurs., April 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center

Friday, April 25

Kapa Demonstration. Kapa maker Ku‘uleimomi
Makuakāne-Salāve‘a shares the art of kapa making. See how the inner bark of the
paper mulberry tree is beaten into cloth.

When: Fri., April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Ulana Lauhala. Members of ‘Aha Pūhala o Puna
perpetuate the ancient art of lauhala weaving. Observe this art form and learn
to weave your own lauhala star from the leaves of the hala, or pandanus tree.

When: Fri., April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

Music by Lito Arkangel. Listen to music by Lito
Arkangel, one of Hawai‘i Island’s most popular entertainers, as he plays his
original compositions and Hawaiian favorites.

When: Fri., April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

‘Ohe Hanu Iho Demo. Join National Park Service Master
Volunteer Ed Shiinoki and Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita and create your own
nose flute. Thin-walled Hawaiian bamboo was used to make a three-hole wind
instrument called ‘ohe hano ihu or bamboo nose flute. Today, the supply of
bamboo is very limited so Asian bamboo is used instead. Andrea and Ed will
share the many uses of the bamboo, demonstrate how to make your own ‘ohe hano
ihu, and teach you how to play it, too.

When: Fri., April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center lānai

In addition to the cultural programs at Hawai‘i Volcanoes
National Park during National Park Week , there are Stewardship at the Summit
volunteer opportunities, Kahuku hikes, and After Dark in the Park programs.
Check the park website for a complete schedule.